As Memorial Day approaches and summer travel ramps up, law enforcement agencies across Indiana are increasing patrols as part of a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign. From May 17 through May 31, departments throughout the state will participate in a national initiative aimed at promoting seat belt usage and encouraging safe driving habits.
The initiative, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and coordinated in Indiana by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), is part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Officers will take a no-excuses approach during the two-week blitz, issuing citations to drivers and passengers who are not properly restrained.
Indiana has made significant strides in seat belt compliance, with the ICJI reporting a 93.6% usage rate among drivers in its most recent observational survey. However, the remaining 6.4% of motorists still pose a serious safety concern, especially during the busy summer travel months.
State traffic safety officials emphasize that buckling up is not only the law but also one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the road. According to NHTSA data, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death by 45% for front-seat occupants in passenger cars and by 60% in light trucks. In the event of a crash, unbelted occupants are far more likely to be ejected from the vehicle, a factor that significantly increases the likelihood of fatal outcomes.
In 2022 alone, Indiana recorded over 850 traffic fatalities, with unrestrained passengers accounting for a substantial portion of those deaths. The Memorial Day weekend has historically been one of the deadliest times on Indiana roadways, with alcohol impairment, speed, and lack of seat belt use contributing to many crashes.
Law enforcement agencies across the state are urging Hoosiers to make seat belt use a habit, reminding drivers and passengers alike that a simple click can save lives.
For more information on seat belt safety and Indiana’s traffic safety initiatives, visit on.in.gov/seatbelt.
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